Apple Cinnamon Smoothie - Meredith Rines

Confession Time. I have become obsessed with smoothies lately. I blame it on the bullet I bought for a hella good deal at Bed Bath & Beyond. I mean it’s the blenders fault for making it so gosh-darn easy to mix up some veggies, fruit and whatever I have laying around that sounds good.
I create another one the other day. I found a smoothie (this one) that used cinnamon and a light bulb went off. I had to create my own version. I just had to.

Here’s what you need:

1 small apple, peeled and diced
½ banana
¼ c. of pineapple
¼ c. unsweetened almond milk
3 oz. Greek yogurt
1 T. chia seeds
1 handful of spinach
¼ t. of cinnamon

Put all of the ingredients into your blender or bullet. Mix until well combined.
If you want a cold smoothie that has a thicker texture just add 3-4 ice cubes and mix again until combined. I like my smoothies cold so I always add 4 ice cubes once it’s all blended together and then mix again.
For full disclosure – the smoothie pictured above doesn’t have spinach in it. It is my normal go-to ingredient, but I was out the day I took the pictures.

Here’s the thought behind each ingredient:

apple – The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats, which helps lower cholesterol levels. Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin, which can help boost your immune system

banana – they promote good digestion and help promote healthier blood pressure. They are also full of vitamin B6 and magnesium.

pineapple – These are loaded with vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin C, and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Pineapple contains manganese, which contributes to building bones and connective tissues. Plus they have anti-inflammatory qualities.

almond milk – it contains calcium and Vitamin D, which helps improve immunity and cell function. Almond milk has iron, which helps muscles absorb and use protein for energy.

Greek yogurt – excellent source of calcium, potassium, protein, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12. Plus it contains probiotic cultures and and has two times the protein than regular yogurts

chia seeds – these little guys are a great source of protein, calcium, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus they swell to 10-15 times their size, which is perfect for weight loss.

spinach – a great super food that helps boost your immune system and provides antioxidants. Plus spinach is full of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, zinc, and folate

cinnamon – it helps lower blood sugar, fights bacteria, and can reduce inflammation